My experience so far

[Lupigirl 67]

I was so excited to finally get my EAD on Saturday!  But then reality hit; the realization that just because I legally "can" work, I'm not automatically deemed employable by those hiring.  

 

I'm facing a few challenges.  Before moving here, I was self employed for over 10 years.  Which means I have no recent references and am totally out of touch with the whole resume/interview scene.  I soon discovered that many, many companies only accept online applications.  My resume is skimpy and my education consists of High School, so I do much better when I can use my friendly smile to get me in the door.  

 

Despite that, I have already gotten one job offer and an interview for a job I really want next week.  How?  By using my contacts.  As soon as I knew I could work, I let everybody know; friends, people I see at the gym, even my landlord.  It's amazing how many people know of someone hiring, and employers will put you at the top of their list if someone they know vouches for you.  That job offer?  I name-dropped my husband's step-sister's boyfriend, who manages at another location.  And the interview I'm so excited about?  A girl I met at the gym told me to email her my resume.  I did that,  along with a cover letter explaining why I would LOVE to work there and why I'd make a great fit.  She got me an interview with her manager.  I used my immigrant status to my advantage, citing my experience with a variety of cultures and empathy for individuals as a strong customer-service tool.

 

So my advice to all of my fellow immigrants waiting on your EAD's: Get out and meet people.  Talk to your neighbors, join a gym, make small talk with the people you see semi-regularly.  Be kind and helpful and smile a lot.  Your hairdresser, mailman or apartment manager might just be the connection you need to get the job you want, when you can finally apply for it!

[Going through 5,671]

Congrats on your job offer!  You've given really great advice on this thread.  

[Lupigirl 67]

7 minutes ago, Going through said:

Congrats on your job offer!  You've given really great advice on this thread.  

Thank you!

 

And I appreciated your advice a while ago about how to declare myself a non-resident for tax purposes to the CRA:)

[Going through 5,671]

1 minute ago, Lupigirl said:

Thank you!

 

And I appreciated your advice a while ago about how to declare myself a non-resident for tax purposes to the CRA:)

Ha---I thought your username looked familiar...did it get taken care of?

[Lupigirl 67]

2 hours ago, Going through said:

Ha---I thought your username looked familiar...did it get taken care of?

I think so! 

[Mr Geminian 691]

3 hours ago, Lupigirl said:

I was so excited to finally get my EAD on Saturday!  But then reality hit; the realization that just because I legally "can" work, I'm not automatically deemed employable by those hiring.  

 

I'm facing a few challenges.  Before moving here, I was self employed for over 10 years.  Which means I have no recent references and am totally out of touch with the whole resume/interview scene.  I soon discovered that many, many companies only accept online applications.  My resume is skimpy and my education consists of High School, so I do much better when I can use my friendly smile to get me in the door.  

 

Despite that, I have already gotten one job offer and an interview for a job I really want next week.  How?  By using my contacts.  As soon as I knew I could work, I let everybody know; friends, people I see at the gym, even my landlord.  It's amazing how many people know of someone hiring, and employers will put you at the top of their list if someone they know vouches for you.  That job offer?  I name-dropped my husband's step-sister's boyfriend, who manages at another location.  And the interview I'm so excited about?  A girl I met at the gym told me to email her my resume.  I did that,  along with a cover letter explaining why I would LOVE to work there and why I'd make a great fit.  She got me an interview with her manager.  I used my immigrant status to my advantage, citing my experience with a variety of cultures and empathy for individuals as a strong customer-service tool.

 

So my advice to all of my fellow immigrants waiting on your EAD's: Get out and meet people.  Talk to your neighbors, join a gym, make small talk with the people you see semi-regularly.  Be kind and helpful and smile a lot.  Your hairdresser, mailman or apartment manager might just be the connection you need to get the job you want, when you can finally apply for it!

That's a very good piece of advice

[NikLR 13,228]

WAY to bring the Canadian out to help you get a job!  Congrats! 

[Lupigirl 67]

30 minutes ago, NikLR said:

WAY to bring the Canadian out to help you get a job!  Congrats! 

Lol-Thank you😊

[Going through 5,671]

On 8/17/2017 at 9:19 PM, Lupigirl said:

I think so! 

You should get a letter from them afterwards confirming...keep it for your records, of course.  And good luck on your dream job interview next week, as well.

[bbf3562 27]

You are right and it called Networking! If you have family or good friends who work for company you want to apply, you will get better chance to land a job because they vouch for you and also they put you in front line for interview.

[fromphtousa.com 3]

I'm trying to do that, too. Attending free events in and around the city has helped me to meet other people in the area.  Congratulations!